Concrete Playground

A monthly literary event co-curated by Age writers and renaissance women Michaela McGuire and Marieke Hardy with all proceeds going to Edgar's Mission, Women of Letters has proven to be wildly popular in Melbourne (and also at the Splendour in the Grass festival, where the event had a successful slot on the Sunday morning).

Since its inception in March, every event has sold out, and it's no wonder. Blending the lost art of letter writing with public entertainment in a relaxed and friendly environment, Women of Letters boasts monthly line-ups of strong and intelligent women reading their letters to a particular theme, previously including letters to 'The Night I’d Rather Forget', 'My First Pin-Up', 'My Nemesis' and 'The Song I Wish I'd Written' (the Splendour theme, which included men on the panel for the first and only time. See Paul Kelly's amazing video submission below). Amongst the wine, speakers and DJs, audience members are encouraged to participate, penning their own aerogrammes using the stationery provided.

Finally, Women of Letters makes its way to Sydney for one exciting show this month. The Sydney Edition features crime author Tara Moss, ABC's First Tuesday Book Club host Jennifer Byrne, actor Claudia Karvan, television and radio presenter Fenella Kernebone, writer Sophie Braham, actor Virginia Gay, songwriter Sally Seltmann and actor Sacha Horler, all of whom will be penning the minefield that is 'A Love Letter'. Also on the bill is Triple J's Zan Rowe, who will be exhibiting her fine DJing skills.